The Los Angeles Police Department told ABC News on Monday that a photographer spotted Bryant, Oscar in hand, on his way out of the Governors Ball on Sunday night. Because the photographer, who has remained anonymous, did not recognize Bryant from the televised ceremony, they followed him.

The photographer "without any resistance from Bryant took the Oscar from him. Security at the event was notified and detained Bryant," police said in a statement. "The Oscar was returned to the recipient. At this time it appears Bryant did have a ticket to the Governors Ball."